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Four Baptized at Pennsylvania Hispanic Youth Retreat

Story by Pennsylvania Conference Staff; Photos by Leandro Robinson
Published 10/24/12

Eduard Diaz embraces his daughters, Eduanny and Amandy. They were baptized together.

Eduard Diaz and his daughters Eduanny and Amandy were among the four people baptized at this year’s Pennsylvania Conference Hispanic Youth Retreat held at Camp Hebron in Halifax, Pa. They are now members of the Reading Hispanic church. Ten-year-old Shirley Echevarria was also baptized that weekend. She is now a member of the South Philadelphia Hispanic Company.

Held at Camp Hebron in Halifax, the retreat attracted some 240 people, 40 of whom were not members of the church. Leandro Robinson, the conference’s Youth Ministries director, said leaders were intentional about getting youth to take ownership of the weekend, which was themed “Reflecting Jesus.” He believes that because youth participated in all facets of the program, young people attended every segment. One of the most popular segments was the talent show where young people showcased their music, poetry and comedy. Still, Robinson said the retreat was not just a place to have fun. “At these retreats young people grow spiritually and are empowered to minister,” he said.

At the end of the weekend, participants filled out anonymous evaluations. Here are some of the things they said they learned: “God always gives us a second opportunity;” “We can reflect Jesus in our lives;” “I learned that I need to leave my sins behind;” and “God has a purpose for my life.”

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